Two restaurants close after fires, 1st Avenue Wine House closes

Two restaurants close after fires

Two restaurants have closed after fire damage.

Dairy Queen on Wilson Avenue SW in Cedar Rapids closed after heavy smoke poured out of the building while firefighters battled a blaze the afternoon of June 1.

Cedar Rapids Fire Department firefighters said in a news release they had to abandon the plan to extinguish the fire from inside, as high heat and smoke prevented safe operation. Fire broke through the roof and began burning away support systems for the air handling unit as flames shot as high as 20 feet in the air.

The building sustained extensive damage but did not result in any injuries. The cause is still under investigation. No details have been announced by the owner on the how long it might take to repair.

Shuey’s Restaurant & Lounge in Shueyville also closed temporarily after an early morning fire on May 31, according to a social media post.

The fire caused “substantial damage,” the restaurant said. An estimate of how long the restaurant would be closed was not available.

1st Avenue Wine House closing after 20 years

CEDAR RAPIDS — 1st Avenue Wine House at 3412 First Ave. NE will be closing on June 24 after 20 years in business.

“Many of you might be asking ‘why’ and our answer is that after nearly 20 wonderful years in business, we have decided now is the time to explore the next chapter of our lives and we could not be more excited,” owner Traci Weber said in an announcement. “Please know this is not a decision we have to make, rather a decision we are ready to make.”

All bottles of wine in stock will be 10 percent to 20 percent off.

Uptown Marion Market returns

MARION — The Uptown Marion Market returns for the season Saturday, June 11 in City Square Park and Seventh Avenue in uptown Marion.

This season features more than 35 fresh product, wine, honey baked goods and artisan vendors. Families can enjoy entertainment options while shopping including face painting, balloon artistry, a steel drum band and the Heart of Marion Community Choir. The first 30 registered children at each market will receive $3 in Power of Produce (POP) Bucks to shop at participating produce vendors.

During the first market, the Marion Heritage Center also will hold its annual pancake breakfast at the Depot in City Square Park from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tickets are available for $8 in advance at the Heritage Center or on the day of the event.

The markets will be held from 8 a.m. to noon on June 11, July 9, Aug. 13 and Sept. 24.

Comments: (319) 398-8340; elijah.decious@thegazette.com